K.C. Johnson on the Bulls

It seems like everyone on the Bulls is optimistic about Curry's future. If they are so confident that he will be fine, why are they still making him sit out? I think it's the wrong time to be too cautious with Curry. --Henry, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Cynically, there are about 60 million reasons why it's the right time to be cautious with Curry. That's the rough "guestimate" of the investment the Bulls will be making in him this summer. Wouldn't you want him to be checked out before giving him that money? But on a more personal and compassionate level, John Paxson and the Bulls' organization simply want all their and Curry's family's questions answered. In his tenure as GM, Paxson has proved to be extremely cautious, conservative and compassionate. Look at how he handled the Jay Williams' situation.

As for Curry's health, obviously something came up in the initial round of testing that they want checked out further. Paxson has made it clear that the team won't be revealing the testing procedures and that there will be no updates given on his condition until all the testing is completed. This has become a very private medical issue.

Do you think the Bulls are one of those rare teams that could upset everyone and win it all this year? --Ben, Hong Kong

Three words say no: Shaquille O'Neal. Then again, Shaq has been limping to the finish line health-wise. In other words, I've seen stranger things, like e-mails from Hong Kong.

Are the Bulls going to wear black sneakers in the playoffs? --Chris Shiherlis, Chicago

Only if Ed Nealy says it's OK.

You had a comment in your latest online column that alluded to something that's always bothered me about professional sports--the money. Do you find it difficult to cover a business that pretends to be about competition and superior athletics, but is really about owners' revenue streams and "players" maximizing their salary potential? I hate to sound cynical, but I'm continually amazed that college sports aren't more popular for these exact reasons. --Justin Bill, Glenview, Ill.

Every time I get that way, I'm lucky enough to get to write a story about a guy like

Thanks for giving us a forum for our questions. Given the salary cap restrictions, do you think it's possible for this team to stay together for a few years? I would like to go out and get a Chandler jersey, but I do not want it to be obsolete next year. Also, given the questionable status of Eddy Curry, do you think it will be easier to re-sign him? --Travis Failey, Tampa, Fla.

I'm guessing you've seen by now Paxson's bold, public comment that he basically wants to next year. I applaud him for striving for some continuity in an environment where there has been little. Also, the sad, cold truth is that Curry's condition might cost him millions because other teams might not be as willing to fork over the big dough for him. That said, it's all a moot point because Paxson has made it clear that he will match any offers for him or Chandler. So I'd suggest ponying up for that jersey.

As a member of the sports media, perhaps you could explain why the story of the Bulls this season is not attracting more attention. I do not recall any team accomplishing what Skiles and the young Bulls have this year. The turnaround alone is dramatic enough, but doing it with rookies and free agents is just amazing. How could all of this happen to one team and the local and national news media not notice the special nature of it? --Craig Dillon, Chicago

Hmmm, let's see. There's been an article in Sports Illustrated, an article in ESPN The Magazine, a half-hour show on ESPN's "Outside the Lines" and several other national media outlets that I'm forgetting right now who have covered the story. As for the local media, my wife might disagree with your assessment that we haven't noticed the special nature of it, since I've been spending more time with, say, Kirk Hinrich than her of late.

I was wondering about the blue bracelet that Tyson Chandler wears during games. It looks similar to the Livestrong bracelets, except blue instead of yellow. What's up? --John R., Chicago

It's similar to the Livestrong bracelet except it's blue instead of yellow. Sorry. I had to be a smart you-know-what once. I have no idea. I'll ask him at tonight's game.

How do you get your articles written so quickly? Recently I noticed four of your articles (online) within an hour or two of the game being over. Fast work! Your boss should be happy. --Paul, Wenatchee, Wash.

I have a stunt double. (Don't tell my boss. But please e-mail my boss so that I can get a big raise.) Actually, we write some of the off-the-court articles either before or during games. Then, we're working on our game stories as the game is being played. Then, we add postgame quotes from players and coaches and file the stories to our papers. It's always fun when something big breaks on deadline, like, say, a Curry heart condition?

Whenever you're on Chicago Tribune Live, you don't look that good. But the picture you have on the Web site is fine. What gives? --Matt Havlik, Glendale Heights, Ill.

Blame my wife. I typically do. She likes my hair long, so I'm growing it out. I think I look like a dork, although at least I no longer look like a Republican. (For those of you interested in this stuff, Skiles used the word "liberal" in a sentence recently and jokingly asked if I was impressed that he did. Let's just say that if he and I were to play one-on-one, we'd both score every time because I'd stay on the left side of the court and he'd remain on the right side...)

Is it true that the Bulls don't have any draft picks this year? Also, I'm glad that you are the Bulls beat writer because you kind of look like a grown-up Harry Potter (who is a wizard), and it is good to have wizards on our side since we are playing the Wizards. --Brian, Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Why do you think I'm growing my hair out? The Harry Potter references were getting to me. True fact--no draft picks. And you appear to be one strange dude with your reasoning, which is why we like you.